Richland County Investigator Receives the Humane Law Enforcement Award

Pictured from left to right: Investigator Holly Wagner and Director of the Humane Society of the United States SC Kim Kelly

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott congratulates Richland County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Holly Wagner for receiving The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) “Humane Law Enforcement Award.”

On Wednesday, June 7, 2017, The HSUS presented Holly with a prestigious award for her commitment and tenacity in investigating animal cruelty and dog fighting crimes in the Midlands.

The Humane Society of the United States’ South Carolina Senior State Director Kimberly Kelly stated that “we believe that we need more individuals like Holly to help defend the rights of animals; and by honoring her, it may inspire others to stand up and take a stand against animal cruelty. Our hope is that law enforcement nationwide will match the tireless efforts of our recipients”.

· About Senior investigator Holly Wagner; investigated numerous dog fighting rings and animal cruelty cases in Richland County; Holly has formed an animal cruelty task force for the department, and has been assigned to the FBI Violent Crimes and Gang Task Force based in Columbia, South Carolina to assist the agency pursue dog fighting rings. Holly also trains other South Carolina law enforcement officers on how to recognize animal cruelty.

The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection organization, rated most effective by our peers. For more than 60 years, we have celebrated the protection of all animals and confronted all forms of cruelty. We are the nation’s largest provider of hands-on services for animals, caring for more than 100,000 animals each year, and we prevent cruelty to millions more through our advocacy campaigns.

The HSUS is approved by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance for all 20 standards for charity accountability, and was named by Worth Magazine as one of the 10 most fiscally responsible charities. To support The HSUS, please make a monthly donation, or give in another way. You can also volunteer for The HSUS, and see our 55 ways you can help animals. Read more about our 60 years of transformational change for animals, and visit us online at humanesociety.org.

The HSUS and their affiliates provide hands-on care and services to more than 100,000 animals each year, and they professionalize the field through education and training for local organizations. The HSUS is the leading animal advocacy organization, seeking a humane world for people and animals alike. They are driving transformational change in the U.S. and around the world by combating large-scale cruelties such as puppy mills, animal fighting, factory farming, seal slaughter, horse cruelty, captive hunts, and the wildlife trade.

Sheriff Leon Lott is extremely proud of Holly and states that many animals have been recovered and saved due to the hard work of Holly and the investigators with whom she works side by side on a daily basis.

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